A variety of Traditional Cambodian Dessert at Old Market Siem Reap, Cambodia

glutinous rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: regular rice

Quinoa is a healthier grain option, while regular rice is more accessible.

palm sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey provides natural sweetness, while brown sugar is a cost-effective substitute.

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: light coconut milk

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Light coconut milk reduces calories, and evaporated milk is often cheaper.

mung beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: split peas

Lentils are nutritious and can replace mung beans, while split peas are less expensive.

Soak glutinous rice in water for several hours or overnight.

Drain the soaked rice and mix with coconut milk and salt until well combined.

Prepare mung beans by soaking them in water and boiling until soft.

Mash the cooked mung beans and mix with palm sugar until smooth.

Cut banana leaves into squares and soften them by briefly steaming or passing over heat.

Layer a portion of the rice mixture onto the banana leaf, followed by a layer of mung bean paste.

Top with another layer of rice mixture and fold the banana leaf to form a package.

Repeat the process until all ingredients are used, ensuring the packages are tightly sealed.

Place the wrapped desserts in a steamer and steam for about 30-45 minutes until cooked through.

Remove from the steamer and let cool slightly before unwrapping.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: